I think the author will often not call back after the issue has been solved. So others may do so as well.

We are thinking about several improvements for the forums, something like this will most likely come in one form or another.

Alexandra Leisse wrote:

We are thinking about several improvements for the forums, something like this will most likely come in one form or another.

May be it can be linked up with the reputation based system you are working on.

Also, recently I had observed that you had closed one topic for further discussion. Was it moderated or does it happen automatically, or the thread owner can do that.

I closed it and to do so you need moderator rights. No automation involved, just boring work. ;)